From freshening bad breath to polishing teeth, toothpaste is a staple in everyone’s oral hygiene routine. But did you know that this unsuspecting product can be used for more than just cleaning your teeth?

Because it contains abrasive (yet mild) properties, toothpaste is surprisingly effective for a wide range of household tasks, from cleaning to repairing. Here are 10 unsuspecting uses for toothpaste that are worth a try.

It polishes silver.

Using toothpaste to polish silver is an old trick that many people have used for generations. And while it might sound crazy, it actually works.

Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that work to remove tarnishing, so you can restore your cutlery, jewelry, or other household items back to brand new.

To try it out, gently buff your silver with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Then, rinse it thoroughly before drying it with a microfiber cloth for sparkling silver that looks as good as new.

It removes upholstery stains.

Spilled food on your brand-new couch? No problem. Toothpaste can actually help remove stains from furniture and upholstery. Apply a small amount to the area, then gently rub it with a damp cloth. Worried about ruining your fabric? The mild abrasive properties of toothpaste work to lift stains without damaging fabrics.

It can whiten grout.

It’s not uncommon for the grout between your tiles to become discolored after a bit of wear and tear. To avoid this weathered look, try using toothpaste as a type of scrub to whiten it.

Simply squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto the affected area, then gently scrub it using a soft sponge or toothbrush to clean the dirt away. After this, rinse the area thoroughly for a cleaner, brighter look.

It cleans sneakers.

Toothpaste is the perfect solution for cleaning dirty sneakers without ruining their material. Whether you need help cleaning a blemish leftover from last night’s dinner or simply want to refresh an old pair, a tube of toothpaste can certainly get the job done.

To effectively clean your sneakers, squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a toothbrush. Then, gently scrub away any dirt, scuff marks, and other blemishes before wiping them clean with a damp cloth.

It can defog your glasses.

If you wear glasses, you’re probably all too familiar with the struggle of dealing with foggy lenses. Luckily, toothpaste can help prevent this annoyance quickly so you can get back to reading without the blurring and smudging.

Prevent foggy lenses by applying a dab of toothpaste to your glasses, then gently buffing it out in a circular motion using a soft cloth. The toothpaste leaves behind a thin film that helps repel moisture, keeping your vision clear.

It cleans piano keys.

Many people forget to clean their piano keys aside from using a duster to remove dust every so often. But cleaning them with toothpaste is an excellent way to brighten ivory piano keys while adding shine.

After cleaning your keys, be sure to thoroughly dry the area to keep excess moisture from seeping into the piano and causing damage.